Don't be misled by deed letters

Homeowners across South Florida have been receiving letters recommending they spend $60 for a copy of their property deed even though the same document is available from local government for no more than a couple dollars.

Broward and Palm Beach county officials are warning residents not to be fooled by the official-looking letters from Plantation-based Florida Record Retrieval Inc. They say most people never need a certified copy of their deeds, and the documents can be easily and cheaply obtained directly from county records. They fear elderly and other unsuspecting homeowners could be fooled.

An investigation last year by state Attorney General Bill McCollum led the company to agree in writing to follow laws against misleading advertising, contribute $10,000 to a consumer-protection program and pay $25,000 in state legal bills. An investigation in the spring by Broward County's Consumer Affairs Division resulted in further changes to Florida Record's letters.

"This looks like a very legal note that people are getting, and they might think that it's something that they really need," Broward Clerk of Court Howard Forman said. "You shouldn't charge people $60 for something they can get at little cost."

His Palm Beach counterpart, Sharon Brock, added: "I urge residents of Palm Beach County to be cautious about such offers. Some residents paid for the services of these companies and never received their certified documents."

Florida Record's letter starts by detailing information on when the home's owners purchased the property, citing deed numbers and dates. It then states: "The U.S. Government Federal Citizen Information Center website recommends that property owners should have an official or certified copy of their deed."

The letter tells people that they can order a copy from Florida Record. A disclaimer follows that the company is not government-affiliated and that there are other ways to obtain deeds at a nominal cost.

Florida Record is owned by area resident Gary Freed and Barry Isaacson, of Chicago, who owns a similar national firm called National Deed Service.

Isaacson rejected suggestions that the company is overcharging or misleading residents. He said the company offers a service to residents who don't want the hassle of getting the records themselves from the government. He compared the cost differences to someone deciding to have dinner at a fine restaurant rather than buying the same food at the grocery store to cook.

"We're a legitimate service," Isaacson said. "It really is a convenience for people who don't want to take the time to go down to the courthouse themselves."

The company won't reveal how many letters it has mailed out or how many people have placed orders. Isaacson said the mailings are based on a database of county property records that it purchased.

In the past few years, Florida Record and National Deed have been the subject of numerous news stories throughout the nation in which government record-keepers questioned their services.

The Attorney General's Office received 90 complaints about Florida Record between 2004 and 2007. Its settlement agreement requires the company to disclose it is not affiliated with government agencies and to refund money to people who complain about being dissatisfied within 60 days of their purchase.

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

How to get a copy

Broward County residents can obtain an uncertified copy of their deed online for free at www.broward.org/records. Certified copies can be obtained at the county Records Division in the Governmental Center at 115 S. Andrews Ave. in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The cost is $1 a page with a $1.50 flat charge for certification.